Lucasfilm Ltd, a member of the Walt Disney Company family, has issued proceedings against Chilean based car washing business, Star Wash.
The claim has been issued over Star Wash’s use of the name “Star Wash”. “Star Wash”, located on the outskirts of Santiago, is a car wash which appears to be centered around the theme of Star Wars. The attendants wash customers’ cars whilst dressed as recognisable characters from the intergalactic saga such as Darth Vader, Chewbacca and Boba Fett.
The dispute arose after Star Wash attempted to register its brand name with the Chilean Patent office (“INAPI”). Lucasfilm subsequently sought to block the registration, arguing that the name would likely cause confusion amongst the public and cause consumers to think the car washing business was affiliated with it.
Star Wash owner, Matias Jara, plans to challenge Lucasfilm’s objection on the basis the Star Wash name is sufficiently different to that of the famous movie franchise, and further that the Star Wars brand, covering products such as toys, furniture and non-alcoholic drinks, does not extend to car cleaning.
Jara stated in a recent interview, “We’re a small business and we’re spending on things we hadn’t budgeted for”, further adding, “We don’t make movies or sell their products or anything like that”.
It is to be seen which star comes out shining.
If you have any questions on the above, please do not hesitate to contact the team at McDaniels Law on 0191 281 4000 or legal@mcdanielslaw.com.
